College Commencement SpeakerLouise Slaughter, a 12-term member of Congress, will deliver the commencement address for the College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering at the University of Rochester on Sunday, May 17. Slaughter's legislative efforts to improve health care are an outgrowth of her knowledge of science and her education as a microbiologist. Now the chair of the House Committee on Rules—and the first woman to hold that influential post—Slaughter's achievements place her in the top echelon of Democratic leaders in the nation's capital. Read more...

SA President/VP Candidates DebateInterested in seeing who is running to represent you? Come to the Students' Association Candidates' Convention and the SA Presidential/VP Debate. Both events will be held on Wednesday, April 1. The Candidates' Convention will be held in Hirst Lounge from 4 to 5 p.m. The Presidential Debate will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Gowen Room.

Changes for Withdrawal and S/F Option DeadlinesStudents may withdraw from courses through April 7—the last day of the 11th week of the semester. You may also choose to take one elective course on the S/F option through April 7. You'll need to complete a drop/add form to withdraw from a course, and have it signed by your pre-major adviser if you are a freshman or sophomore. Submit the form to the Academic Services Counter outside Latimore 312. You can sign up for the S/F option online. Questions? See an adviser in Academic Support.

Ideas for 'Spring Cleaning to Safety'With spring's arrival, the University Fire Safety Office encourages students to correct any safety concerns in their living and working space. Check out some tips for Spring Cleaning to Safety.

Popular Comic Mozart Opera at Eastman This WeekEastman Opera Theatre brings Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) to the Eastman Theatre stage this week. The production features two alternating casts of students in a story that revolves around love, mistaken identity, misunderstandings, and forgiveness. Dramatic director Johnathon Pape and music director Benton Hess will talk about the opera production with WXXI-FM 91.5 host Julia Figueras on Wednesday, April 1, at 1 p.m. Read more...

Calling Aspiring Public Servants and EnvironmentalistsYou're invited to an information session on the Harry S. Truman Scholarship and the Morris K. Udall Scholarship, two national awards for ambitious student leaders committed to the public good and environmentalism. Freshmen and sophomores will be eligible to apply; find out more Monday, March 30, at noon in Wilson Commons 202. Read more...

Condoms Now Sold in Residential Snack Vending MachinesCondoms are now available in the snack vending machines in the residence halls in Susan B. Anthony, Hill Court, and the Residential Quad. In response to student feedback, the UHS Health Promotion Office teamed up with Vending Services to provide students with Trojan condoms in convenient and discrete locations around campus. A 3-pack costs $2.75. Condoms help prevent unwanted pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, and now it's even easier to use protection. For more information, contact ldudman@uhs.rochester.edu.

Beats of Korea

Beats of Korea, the 2nd annual concert of Korean drumming group HON will feature the performance of a Korean folk tale play, drumming, and dances. Also featuring cultural dances by FASA, Japan Matsuri, and Afro-Expressions. The event is at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 4, in the May Room in Wilson Commons.

Security Tip: Protecting Cell Phones and PDAsAs cell phones and PDAs become more technologically advanced, attackers are finding new ways to target victims. Protect yourself: Be careful about posting your number or e-mail address, don't follow links sent in e-mail or text messages, and evaluate security settings on your device. Do you have ideas that should be shared as security tips of the week? If so, please send them to UnivIT_SP@ur.rochester.edu.

Study Abroad EventsIn addition to the International Travel Market on April 1, two other Study Abroad events are planned this week: Thursday, April 2, Internships in Europe information meeting at 7 p.m. in Wilson Commons 122 and, on Thursday, April 2, Asia Open-Mic Night at 6:30 p.m. in the Gowen Room of Wilson Commons. Students who have returned from studying in Asia will be sharing their pictures, stories, and experiences.

The Latke, Hamantaschen and Bagel DebatePrepare to laugh as notable guests, including Paul Burgett, University vice president and general secretary, debate the merits of three beloved Jewish delicacies. The Latke, Hamantaschen and Bagel Debate, sponsored by Hillel of Rochester Area Colleges, will be held on Sunday, March 29, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 1200 Edgewood Ave. Proceeds will be used to enhance Jewish life for local college students.

Fundraiser Helps Build Schools in Pakistan, AfghanistanPennies for Peace, a fundraiser running through Friday, April 3, benefits efforts to support school construction in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Donation drop-offs are located throughout the River Campus, including at the Writing Center, ID Card Office, SBAI, English department, political science department, Interfaith Chapel, Bursar's Office, the Admissions Office, Career Center, Multimedia Center in Rush Rhees Library, International Students Office, UHS, and Warner School Mail Room.

RecycleMania Competition EndsThe national RecycleMania competition has officially come to an end and the final results should be posted within the next couple of weeks. See weekly rankings. UR did a great job in the competition and managed to beat some schools that have a greater population. Participation for the weekly trivia contest was fantastic! See the answers and winners. Please continue to always do your part by remembering to reduce, reuse, and of course recycle.

Eastman Students Reach Out With Classical MusicEastman School started its annual "Music For All" outreach program with appearances in local schools. They continue going into schools, nursing homes, libraries, and other locations this week; some of the concerts are open to the public. See the Democrat & Chroniclevideo on the ensemble Ten Red Shoes performing last week.

Tutoring Opportunities AvailableThe Rochester Center for Community Leadership is looking for a tutor to work with a ninth-grade student at Wilson High School who needs help in math and science. E-mail Tara Bush to help.

One-Act Play Festival at Todd TheatreDon't miss the 11th Annual One-Act Play Festival at Todd Theatre, with plays written, acted, and directed by students. This year's festival includes Beetle of Butterfly by Phil Witte, Small World Aflame by John Amir- Fazli, Mac and Brioche by Sandi Cohen, and Sheltered by Emily Fogel. Performances are Wednesday, April 1, through Saturday, April 4, at 8 p.m. with a matinee Saturday, April 4, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $3 at the door. Read more...

Rochester Community Contra DanceThe Rochester Community Contra Dance on April 3 will bring together students and the community for a night of live music and dancing. It will be in Douglass Dining Hall from 7 to 10 p.m. There will be beginner lessons at 7 p.m. The event is free for Rochester students and $5 for community members. Grassroots will be accepting donations for the Small Farmers, Green Planet Fund.

MELA Celebrates South-Asian CultureOn Saturday, April 4, ADITI will be holding its annual MELA South-Asian cultural show from 2 to 5 p.m. in Strong Auditorium. An Indian dinner catered by Thali of India will follow in Douglass Dining Hall. For students, the cost for the show is $4, and the show and dinner together is $12. For the general public, the cost of the show is $5, and the show and dinner together is $13. Tickets are on sale at the Common Market.

Third Business Model WorkshopInterested in entrepreneurship? The 2009 Mark Ain Business Model Workshop Series concludes with its third session. "Financials, Cash Flow, Balance Sheets" takes place on Thursday, April 2, from 4:30-5:45 p.m. in Gleason Hall 318/418. The last workshop in the series will be taught by Gina Mangiamele, assistant director of education and counseling, Simon Graduate School of Business. Pizza and soda will be provided.

Astronaut to Discuss Space ExperienceLeroy Chiao, a NASA astronaut from 1990-2005, will share his personal experiences from the unique perspective of space during a talk at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, in Hoyt Auditorium. During his 15-year career, he flew four missions into space, has performed six spacewalks, in both U.S. and Russian spacesuits, and has logged nearly 230 days in space. Tickets are $3 for students, $5 for the University Community, and $6 for the general public. Attendees under 18 are free. Get your tickets at the Common Market or at the door. Read more...

Interfaith and Poverty Awareness DinnerStudents for Interfaith Action invite you to an informative dinner about poverty in Rochester on Thursday, April 2, in the River Level of the Interfaith Chapel. A free Indian Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., followed at 7:30 by a talk by Mike Boucher of the St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center. Contact Tamara Slater with questions.

Celebrate Two New Art Exhibits

Memorial Art Gallery members and students are invited to celebrate the opening of the exhibitions GlassWear and A Unity of Opposites: Recent Work by Michael Taylor. Dance to music by Unlimited and enjoy live entertainment by the Bob Sneider Trio, Park Avenue Dance Company, and Daniel Aune on the Italian Baroque organ during the opening from 8 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, at the gallery. Students may purchase $12 tickets at the Common Market in Wilson Commons.

Undergraduate Research Conference

An Undergraduate Research Conference will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, April 3, in the Hawkins-Carlson Room in Rush Rhees Library. Nora Bredes, director of the Susan B. Anthony Center for Women, will give the keynote address.

Relay for Life Fast ApproachingHere's some help raising those last few dollars for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life on April 3 in the Goergen Athletic Center . It's called "Three Dollars a Day til Relay." If each participant raises $3 a day until relay, participants will reach the fundraising goal. There are tips for fundraising on the relay Web site.

Economics Professor Discusses his Forthcoming BookSteven Landsburg, professor of economics, will discuss topics from his forthcoming book What You Don't Know: Tackling the Problems of Philosophy with Ideas from Mathematics, Economics and Physics. The event will be held Tuesday, March 31, at 7 p.m. in the Friel Lounge of Susan B. Anthony. This is the March segment of the Freshman Fellow Food For Thought Series but all students are encouraged to attend. Free pizza and refreshments will be available.

Get the Facts on IsraelLarry Fine, executive director of the Jewish Community Federation of Rochester, will be presenting his knowledge on Israel from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, in the Stackel Room in Wilson Commons. Bring questions and friends. Bagels will be provided.

THIS WEEK: MARCH 29-APRIL 4

DateTitle
Advising and Major FairQuestions about declaring your major or what courses you should sign up for in the fall? Stop by to see department representatives from all academic disciplines at the Advising and Major Fair from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, in the Hawkins-Carlson and Welles-Brown rooms in Rush Rhees Library. The College Center for Academic Support Special Programs will have advisers available to answer questions.Read more...

Thursday, April 2

Transitioning from Student to ProfessionalJanie
Robinson of Booze-Allen Harrison, vice-president of the Baltimore SWE
Section, will be giving a talk for students about moving from college
to the workplace for jobs, internships, and co-ops from 7 to 8 p.m. in Sloan Auditorium. View the Facebook event for details.

Friday, April 3Graduation FairThe River Campus Bookstore will be hosting a graduation fair from 10
a.m. to 5 p.m. You will be able to purchase caps and gowns,
order announcements and class rings, have your portrait taken in your
cap and gown and more. Read more...

Rochester Students Among Math Elite
Rochester had a break out performance in the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition, earning the highest ranking a Rochester team has ever received. Their 10th place finish among 545 competing teams garnered an honorable mention, placing them amid several Ivy League schools. Team members Chris Kauffman '11, (center) Kevin Lin '12 (left), and Xiaoqing Tang '12 (right) earned individual rankings of 145th, 157th, and 262nd respectively. Also pictured is Dan Geba, an assistant professor in the mathematics department, who has coached the team since 2006.

Send Us Your NewsSubmit news or feedback

Deadlines and RemindersHelp Welcome the Class of 2013Do you have what it takes to wear the yellow shirt? Apply to be an Orientation Volunteer and welcome the class of 2013. Applications are due by 5 p.m. April 8 and can be submitted online or at 312 Lattimore Hall.

Weekly Buzz is e-mailed to all undergraduates at the Eastman School and in the College on Sundays during the academic year. It is produced by University Communications. Send comments and report delivery problems to weeklybuzz@rochester.edu or call (585) 275-6076. View issues online at www.rochester.edu/weeklybuzz.